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MINEOLA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) — A familiar face in politics is weighing his options on whether to run for the Congressional seat that is being vacated by Rep. Steve Israel on Long Island.

Democrat Tom Souzzi has been out of office for the past six years after being defeated by Ed Mangano in the race for Nassau County Executive.

“Our country is in trouble right now,” Suozzi said. “I’ve got a history of solving problems and I want to try and help solve these problems.”

The 53-year-old is now considering throwing his hat into the ring when Israel retires after nearly 16 years in office.
“If there’s one thing clear to me it’s that everybody is sick of politicians and they’re sick of politics,” Suozzi told WCBS 880’s Sophia Hall. “So why would I even think about running? Because I’m sick of government, too. I’m sick of what keeps happening. I see people getting indicted, scandals and people going to jail and everybody refuses to work with each other and get anything done.”

Suozzi has formed an exploratory committee to look into a possible run.

“Over the next month or two I’m going to talk to people in the district, and raise some money, and really think it through with my wife, Helene, and the kids, and try to make the right decision,” he told 1010 WINS. “I’m going to make sure that I’m going to be the best candidate and that my family’s happy with the decision, we’re talking about it now.”

Suozzi said he would continue the work to fight for veterans like Israel has done.

“For me the most important things are looking out for the middle class, looking out for seniors, looking out for veterans, fighting for the environment, being a strong supporter of women,” Suozzi said.

Israel (D-Huntington) announced earlier this month that he will not seek re-election in November. He plans to spend more time developing new interests and writing his second novel.